A Statement from Congressman Watt Regarding President Barack Obama's Plan to Protect Our Children and Our Communities By Reducing Gun Violence

Statement

Congressman Melvin Watt (12th District of North Carolina) issued the following statement in response to President Obama's proposal to reduce gun violence:

"I am extremely pleased that President Obama has acted quickly to charge a Task Force headed by Vice President Biden to formulate a responsible, yet prompt, response to the senseless shootings that took place in Newtown, Connecticut. I am also pleased that the President has acted to come forward today with what appears to be a comprehensive & common-sense series of administrative and legislative proposals.

"While I have not yet had the opportunity to study the parts of the President's proposal that will require congressional action with the degree of care that will be required before we can act, I see nothing in my quick review that causes me to react in any way other than positively. As a member of the House Judiciary Committee, I will be among those who have the responsibility for reviewing these proposals carefully from both a common sense and constitutional perspective and I pledge to do so. The President has done a great service by coming forward with a comprehensive set of proposals. It is now time for us to do our part."